Michele’s Allegory Aims to Be a Go-to Gift Shop

Former District 1 Town Councilor Michele Miller recently opened a new business, Michele’s Allegory, both on-line and in the Mill District General Store. She said that the business was inspired by her mother’s love of gift giving, which she inherited and that giving gifts provides pleasure for both her mother and herself. She hopes her collection of goods will help others to find special gifts and that “each gift will bring joy, inspire reflection, and help express love and care in a deeply personal way.” 

To that aim, Miller has scoured art shows to find unique objects including prints, candles, soap, mugs, books, and pottery. She wants to expand her offerings from local artisans because around the holidays she noted that many creative people in the area are looking for an avenue to display and market their goods. She encourages local artisans who are interested in exhibiting at Michele’s Allegory to reach out to her through the website. Although her on-line store is doing well, Miller said she wanted to have an in-person presence to support her community. Her presence in the Mill District general store is ideal, she said, because she does not need to be on-site all of the time. Anything purchased from her selections is credited to her account when customers check out at the general store. 

In the future, she plans to expand into a new area in the general store to offer organic, limited ingredient foods in artistic packaging in a pantry setting. To celebrate the opening of Michele’s Allegory, Miller is offering customers a 15% discount if they use the code “LOVE15” at check out. 

Miller sums up her business by stating, “Michele’s Allegory is a collection of products that inspire and bring me joy. I carefully seek out local and nationally based artisans whose art reflects themes of love, beauty, suffering, and transcendence, helping me make meaning of life. I hope shopping here offers you a moment of presence and connection in your day.”